ority to exercise general supervisory control
over such features of the exposition as may be specially devoted
to woman's work." That rule is practically without any
limitation whatever. It places under your control and
supervision the work for the exhibits, whether appearing in the
manner of artistic, industrial, or other tangible production, or
whether appearing in the manner of woman's engagement in any
part or portion of the exposition work. I think it will rest
with you that girls under a certain age should not be permitted
to be employed in the exhibits, or in any manner made a part of
the coming exposition. * * * You will find in this rule the
amplest authority with reference to any subject-matter over
which you seek to exercise jurisdiction, composed in whole or in
part by woman's work. That is all the limitation you will find.
That rule the company has approved without amendment, and in
approving it * * * I believe that it is clearly the earnest
desire of the company to secure and at all times approve of your
cordial cooperation.

In the matter of executing the duties before you, it will be
found necessary, I believe, at this meeting, after the election
of your officers, to secure such quarters as may, in your
opinion, be necessary for the convenient transaction of the
business committed to your charge. It will likewise be necessary
for you to begin to consider the scope of woman's work in
connection with the exposition, and likewise form proper rules
and regulations for the government of your officers and the
direction of the general task that you have before you. It is
needless to suggest that future success will, as you know, to a
considerable extent, be dependent upon the thought and
consideration given to your rules to start with. One feature of
the rules heretofore commented upon to some extent, and perhaps
both by the Commission and the company, has been subject to
criticism. That is the limitation upon the incurring expense. It
has been suggested that the board of lady managers at Chicago,
which consisted of over one hundred persons, spent $150,000 or
thereabout. They were limited, I think, and spent the limit.
Your expenses are not limited, except by a rule adopted by
prudence, and applicable to all bodies having money to expend
from the United States